Centennial Harvest Ball To Celebrate 100 Years Of Community Support For Mercy

Sep 10, 2008

Centennial Harvest Ball To Celebrate 100 Years Of Community Support For Mercy

Topic: Mercy Service League's October Event Will Raise Funds for New I.C.U. | Contact: Cindy Hickey

Canton, Ohio: In celebration of 100 years of community support for Mercy Medical Center, the Mercy Service League has themed its fundraising gala the Centennial Harvest Ball, to be held Sat., Oct. 18, at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.

Proceeds from this exceptional, "no wallets required" event – known for its fine food and dancing without a raffle, auction or program – will benefit the hospital's construction of a new I.C.U.

A $20.5-million-dollar project, the 24-unit I.C.U. will be a state-of-the-art facility located behind the Mercy Surgery Center. The project, slated for completion in the spring of 2009, will also include expansion of the surgery center parking garage and relocation of the helipad to the roof of the I.C.U.

For more information about the Centennial Harvest Ball, call 330-489-1018.

Like Mercy Medical Center, the Mercy Service League can trace its origins back to 1908 and the "Succora Circle," a group of area women who, at the request of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, made bandages, gowns, caps, tray mats and curtains for then Mercy Hospital.

To meet growing needs, two additional sewing groups – Cornelia Circle and St. Anne's Circle – were created in 1909 and 1910. In 1937, the three joined together to form the Circle of Mercy, which continued until 1973.

The Timken Mercy Service League was formed in 1976 and, in 2001, re-established as the Mercy Service League. The organization has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars through fundraising events such as Strike Up A Cure, Celebrity Bartender Night, Harvest Treasures and the Harvest Ball.

Earlier this spring, the league named Sister Mary Patricia Barrett, C.S.A., as the ball's honorary chairperson; Michael H. Linz, M.D., and Dina Rooney, M.D., as medical staff co-chairs; and league president Karen Bostrom and league member Mrs. Michael P. Gill as event co-chairs.

About the Mercy Service League

The Mercy Service League, a non-profit organization, promotes the mission of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and Mercy's philosophies through service, outreach and education. The league is made up of dedicated women who volunteer and fundraise on Mercy's behalf.

About Mercy Medical Center

Mercy Medical Center, a nonprofit corporation of The Sisters of Charity Health System and University Hospitals Health System, operates a 476-bed hospital serving Stark, Carroll, Wayne, Holmes and Tuscarawas Counties and parts of Southeastern Ohio. It has 550 physicians on its Medical Staff and employs 2,500 people. Mercy operates outpatient health centers in Carrollton, Jackson Township, Lake Township, Louisville and North Canton. A Catholic hospital, Mercy Medical Center upholds the mission and philosophy of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and continues to be responsive to the needs of the community, including the provision of care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, see www.cantonmercy.com.